Elfriede/East fork

Elfriede Short, an original member of the East Fork Gallery, is known for painting Easter eggs in the spring and glass ornaments for Christmas.

Besides Christmas themes, Short paints quail, cardinals, geese, dogs and puppies on green, gold, blue, and red Krebs glass bulbs of different shapes. The growing population of black bears taking up residence in Carson Valley has influenced her work this year.

"It's the year of the bear," said Short. "A lot of customers ask me, 'what are you doing this year?' I always try to do something different and this year it's bears."

Short said she starts in September and will make 150 ornaments, each taking between 11Ú2 to 21Ú2 hours to paint depending on the detail.

"I try to do my best, not just be fast," said Short. "Quality before quantity."

Her custom-painted ornaments have featured a friend's house in a snowy mountain landscape. People bring her photos of their pets to paint on the glass bulbs.

Short is taking orders on custom work and will demonstrate ornament making at the East Fork Gallery on Nov. 10. The gallery's Christmas reception is Nov. 25. East Fork Gallery is at 1503 Highway 395, Gardnerville. Information, 782-7629.